A NHS Trust has been rewarded with £1m from the Department of Health for retaining its three-star status.
North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust is one of only ten trusts nationwide to retain three stars for four years running.
The star rating is based on the trust's performance against key Department of Health targets, including waiting times, hospital cleanliness and improving the working lives of staff.
Half of the money will be spent on replacing medical equipment, and a meeting will be held at a later date to discuss what equipment needs replacing.
The remaining £500,000 will be spent on improving IT facilities and other general maintenance and improvement at both the University Hospital of Hartlepool and the University Hospital of North Tees, Stockton.
Peter Royle, medical director, said; "The trust is delighted to receive £1m in recognition of its significant achievement in the star ratings.
"Both North Tees and Hartlepool hospitals require significant investment in building maintenance due to their age and some of the money will be put towards this.
"The rest will be spent on replacing medical equipment and improving IT facilities."
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